A new year message from Sarah Sackman MP

A woman in a red scarf standing in front of a large Christmas tree — (Credit – Office of Sarah Sackman MP)

As your MP, I get the privilege of a bird’s eye view of British society. And what I see gives me hope.

Every week I get to meet you, on your doorstep, at the school gates and as you go about your weekly shop.

Whilst you may think you are getting on with your ordinary day – I get to see something extraordinary.

People who care for one another, who have an innate sense of fairness and who are always happy to lean in to help their neighbour.

The people of Finchley and Golders Green encapsulate the meaning of community every day. Participating in their neighbourhoods, their local charities and of course, the infamous road WhatsApp group.

When residents have raised concerns or suggested changes to their community, I have acted. In my office we have a mantra: “You Ask, We Deliver” – and we are proud to have delivered some real wins over this past year.

We are keeping our beloved community spaces open – from securing leases at Artsdepot in North Finchley to Bishopswood Bowls in Hampstead Garden Suburb.

Attention has also focused on our high streets, underpasses, and public areas. We have fought for better CCTV in the Causeway and a cut back of overgrown paths around Strawberry Vale in East Finchley.

When residents in Cricklewood raised concerns around anti-social behaviour in the B&Q car park, we secured commitments to lock the space at night.

And the same is true nationally. Take our National Health Service – free at the point of use. A collective effort to care for the most vulnerable in our society. It’s quietly radical – it’s about care and compassion – without having to shout about it. It is distinctly British.

As 2025 comes to an end, and the country reflects on the past year, let us remember the unspoken truth. One easy to forget as we battle those trying to divide us. Easy to forget as we try to make sense of the news. And one easy to forget because let’s face it – as Brits we don’t like to brag.

We are a society of good people – people who care, who are tolerant and who lean in to help out.

My New Year’s resolution, as your MP, is to use my convening power to strengthen the ties in our society. We must build bridges when times are good so that we can weather when times are tough.

Sarah Sackman is Labour MP for Finchley and Golders Green

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